Chef Bell is the only South Florida chef to be named a finalist for the award. Other finalists in this category include John Harris (Lilette in New Orleans), Chris Hastings (Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham), Tory McPhail (Commander's Palace in New Orleans) and Stephen Stryjewski (Cochon in New Orleans). Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in Miami won the award last year.

The winners will be announced on May 9 at the annual awards ceremony by previous James Beard Award-winning hosts Tom Colicchio, Ming Tsai and Traci Des Jardins.